Combination matrix retainer and cot-ton-roll and saliva-ejector holder



1955 B F TOFFLEMIRE 2,714,252

COMBINATION MATRIX RETAINER AND COTTONROLL AND SALIVA-EJECTOR HOLDER Filed Aug. 51, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. l Eh BENJAMIN FTToFFLEMmE ATTORNE s B. F. TOFFLEMIRE COMBINATION MATRIX RETAINER AND COTTON-ROLL AND SALIVA-EJECTOR HOLDER Aug. 2, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 31, 1953 IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEYS Fatented Aug. 2, 1955 CGMBINATll-UN MATRIX RETAINER AND COT- TfiN-RGLL AND @ALIVA-EJECTOR HQLDER Benjamin F. Tofflemire, Lafayette, Calif.

Application August 31, 1953, Serial No. 377,391

7 Claims. (U. 32--63) An object of my invention is to provide a combination matrix retainer and cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder that is designed to make use of the dental matrix retainer shown in my Patent No. 2,502,903, issued April 4, 1950. In the patent, I disclose a dental matrix retainer that may be used on teeth on either side of the lower or upper jaw of a patient. The dental matrix retainer shown therein has been altered slightly in the present disclosure so as to rem-ovably receive a cottonroll and saliva-ejector holder. This holder may be easily and quickly attached to the dental matrix retainer, or

detached therefrom, as desired.

The cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder may be used on either the right or left quadrants of the upper or lower teeth. This is a distinct advantage over the cottonroll holders now on the market, which can be used only on the lower jaw and require one instrument for the right side and another instrument for the left side. Moreover, the cotton-roll holders now on the market cannot be used with a mechanical matrix retainer, such as the type I disclose in my Patent No. 2,502,903. holder shown herein may be applied to the retainers covered in my Patents Nos. 2,439,703 and 2,591,745.

The cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder illustrated and described in the present application not only can be used with my mechanical matrix retainer, but enhances its use, and increases the value of the retainer by saving the operator the time, effort and annoyance of using a separate cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder.

A further object of my invention is to provide a compact, all-metal, boilable and universally adaptable cottonroll and saliva-ejector holder that may be used in conjunction with and become a part of the dental matrix band retainer, during the filling operation of the tooth. The detachable holder is adjustable to any desired position; it may be simply and easily secured to the matrix retainer, or released therefrom by a novel frictional-spring operating mechanism which will be described in detail hereinafter.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification, and the novel features of the de vice will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 is an occlusal view of the lower teeth of a patient, disclosing my improved device in full lines as being applied to the left quadrant, while the dot-dash lines suggest the device adjusted and applied to the right quadrant;

Figure 2 is an enlarged bucco-lingual sectional view taken along the plane II--II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line Ill-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of my combination matrix retainer, cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder;

Figure 5 is an isometric View of the matrix retainer by itself;

Of course, the

Figure 6 is an elevational view of the saliva-ejector; and

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 2, but disclosing the cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder as being permanently secured to the matrix retainer.

While I have shown only the preferred forms of my invention, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the purpose of illustration, I have selected the dental matrix retainer shown in my Patent No. 2,502,903, issued April 4, 1950, and indicated generally at A in Figures l to 5, inclusive. This retainer has a matrix band B secured thereto, which encloses a tooth C, such as a first molar.

The ends of the matrix band B pass between four parallel fingers designated at 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the dental matrix retainer A. In Figure 4 the fingers 1 and 4 are shown as being arranged on one side of a bucco-lingual groove 5, while the fingers 2 and 3 are arranged on the opposite side of this groove. The ends 6 of the matrix band B are passed around the finger 1. These fingers define a head F 1 at the forward end of a bar-like frame F.

A matrix-clamping block G, see Figures 4 and 5, has a dovetailed slot 7 for slidably receiving the frame F. The latter is provided with bevelled top and lower edges that slide against the bevelled sides of the slot. The end of the frame F disposed opposite the head F1 is formed into a U-shape indicated generally at F2. The outer wall 3 of the U-shaped end F2 is formed with a fork 8a thereon. A sleeve H has an annular groove 9 fashioned adjacent one end thereof, and this groove receives the fork 8a so that the sleeve can rotate in the fork, but cannot be moved longitudinally with respect to the frame F.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, it will be noted that a spindle I has a shank 10 that is rotatably mounted in the sleeve H. This shank extends through an opening 11 provided in a wall 12 of the U-shaped frame end F2, and this opening registering with the bore of the sleeve I so that the spindle shank 10 will pass through this opening. The wall 12 parallels the outer wall 8 of the U- shaped end F2. The bore 14 in the sleeve H is threaded for engaging with a threaded portion 15 on the spindle shank 10. The matrix-clamping block G has a threaded bore 16 for receiving the threaded end of the spindle shank (see Figure 4).

It will be noted from Figures 4 and 5 that the matrixclamping block G has an inclined slot 17 for receiving the ends 6-6 of the matrix band B. the spindle shank 10 is made into the shape of a cone at 10a, and the angle of the taper of this cone is the same as the angle of the inclined slot 17. The outer end of the spindle shank is provided with a knurled knob 18, and the operator may turn this knob for rotating the shank and moving the conical end 10a into frictional engagement with the ends 66 of the matrix band B for clamping these ends against one of the walls of the inclined slot 17. After the clamping of the matrix band ends 66 to the block G has been accomplished, the sleeve H may be rotated on the threaded portion 15 of the spindle shank for moving the block along the frame F to thereby tighten the looped portion of the matrix band around the tooth that is to be filled.

The parts thus far described are disclosed in my Patent 2,502,903. I will now set forth the slight change made in the frame head Fl so that the latter can accommodate a cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder indicated generally at K, in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The head F1 has a roof-shaped projection 19 that is integral therewith (see Figures 2, 3 and 5). This projection extends across the width of the frame head F1 in a bucco-lingual direc- The free end of tion when the dental matrix retainer A has a matrix band B clamped to a tooth, such as the tooth C. On each side of the roof-shaped projection 19, and at points which would correspond with the eaves of a roof, I provide two bucco-lingual grooves 20-20 (see Figures 2, 3 and 5).

The cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder K includes a pair of spring arms 22-22, which have portions that are yieldingly and removably received in the grooves -20 (see Figure 3). These arms extend across the occlusal surfaces of the patients teeth, and have curved sections 22a-22a thereon adapted for holding a cottonroll 23 on the lingual (tongue) side of the tooth being filled (see Figures 1 and 2). Moreover, the arms 22 22 are interconnected by a journalled portion 24, which is pivotally mounted in a detachable anchor member K1.

This anchor member has a tapered pin 25 that is designed to be removably received in a double-tapered bore 26 provided in the roof-shaped projection 19 (see Figures 2 and 3). The bore 26 is tapered from both of its ends so that the diameter at the center of the bore will be less than the diameter at each end of the bore. The tapered pin 25 can enter either end of the bore 26 for a purpose hereinafter explained. When the spring arms 22-22 engage with the grooves 20-20, and the tapered pin 25 is moved into the bore 26 until the body portion 27 of the anchor member K1 abuts the adjacent side of the roof-shaped projection 19, the anchor member K1 will be rigidly connected to the roof-shaped projection and, therefore, will be rigidly connected to the dental matrix retainer A.

Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, disclose the anchor member K1 as having a pair of legs 28-28 that extend substantially at right angles to the axis of the tapered pin 25 and are spaced apart at their ends to extend on the buccal side of the tooth. These legs act as holders for a roll of cotton 29 that is placed on the buccal side of the tooth.

For the purpose of removing excess saliva from the operative field, I have provided a saliva-ejector L of the shape shown in Figure 6. This ejector defines a slotted suction end 30, which is mounted horizontally in the patients mouth by means of a pair of forks 31-31 formed on the lingual ends of the arms 22-22. The goose-necked tube 32 of this ejector projects from the mouth of the patient, and is adapted to be connected to a suction hose 33 in the conventional manner. As clearly shown in Figure 2, the suction end 39 of the saliva ejector L is placed between the lingual roll 23 and the gingival tissues 34, thereby permitting the ejector to aspirate the secretions before they accumulate and saturate this roll.

Referring now to Figure 6, the tube of the saliva ejector is flattened somewhat at 35, thereby facilitating its entry into the lingual forks 31. A shoulder 36 on this tube coacts with one of the forks to prevent the suction end from shifting endwise. It will be apparent that the suction end of the ejector lies parallel with the occlusal plane, receiving salivary secretions. A series of horizontally-placed parallel slots 37 permit entry of fluids as soon as they are secreted.

An additional feature of the specially designed salivaejector tube is the anatomical conformation of the horizontal and labial arch sections. The end section 30 lies adjacent to the floor 38 of the mouth, in the best possible position to remove secretions from the sub-lingual and sub-maxillary glands. The labial arched section 39 of the ejector is so designed that it may be swung away from the work area, as suggested in dot-dash lines in Figure 1.

Cotton rolls have practically supplanted the rubberdam in dentistry. They are used in dentistry for the isolation of teeth being worked upon so that saliva and moisture is kept away from the field of operation. The cotton rolls also are used for the retraction of the tongue and check so that an unobstructed view of the area is maintained, and for protection of the adjoining tissues when placing medications within the walled-off area, as well as protection of the operative field from contamination. Obviously these objectives are attainable only where the cotton rolls are securely held in their proper positions.

In using my combination dental matrix band retainer, and cotton-roll and saliva ejector holder, the matrix band B is first secured to the block G, by passing the ends 6-6 of the bands around the desired fingers l-4. The body of the band is formed into a loop 40 (see Figure 4) so as to encircle the tooth C to be filled. The spindle J is manipulated to clamp the band ends 6 to the block G.

The cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder K may be secured to the frame head F1 before the retainer is placed in the patients mouth and the band B clamped to the desired tooth, or it can be applied after the retainer and band are secured to the tooth. The tapered pin 25 can be inserted into the double-tapered bore 26 from the desired end of the bore, this depending upon where the retainer A is to be used in the mouth. The retainer can be used on either side of the lower jaw of teeth and on either side of the upper jaw of teeth. When the retainer is used on a tooth in the right side of the lower jaw or the left side of the upper jaw, the holder K will be placed on the same side of the head F1 (see dot-dash line position in Figure 1). When the retainer A is used on a tooth in the left side of the lower jaw on the right side of the upper jaw, the holder K will be placed on the opposite side of the head F1 (see full line position in Figure 1).

The spring arms 22-22 are arranged with respect to each other so that when they are received in the grooves 29-29 of the head F1, and the tapered pin 25 enters the bore 26 so that the body 27 of the anchor member K1 contacts the projection 19, the holder K with its anchor member K1 will be rigidly clamped to the head F1 and, therefore, becomes a rigid part of the retainer A. Up until this final abutting of the body 27 of the anchor member K1 takes place against the projection 5.9, the anchor member can have a limited swinging motion about the journal portion 24. In the event that the retainer A and band B are first clamped to the tooth before the holder is secured to the retainer, this limited swinging movement permitted between the anchor memher K1 and the arm 22-22, will permit these arms to be swung slightly with respect to the occlusal plane for allowing the operator to place the cotton roll 23 between the curved sections 22a-22a and the lingual side of the tooth to be filled.

The cotton roll 29 is placed between the buccal side of the same tooth and the legs 28. Both cotton rolls 29 and 23 will now be securely held in place against the buccal and lingual sides of the tooth and the operator will now have a clear field of vision for his work and the tooth will be kept free from all mouth liquids. The cotton rolls 23 and 29 will be held from accidental dislodgement caused by the movements of the tongue and cheek muscles; and, yet when the cotton rolls need changing, this can be quickly accomplished, without removing he retainer A from the mouth.

The spring arms 22-22 may be spread to free them from the grooves 20-20, and the released cotton-roll holder may either be moved buccally across the occlusal surface, or the holder may be swung buccally and occlusally to free it from the retainer A. It is possible to release the holder K with the retainer A as a unit from the tooth C and then substitute new cotton rolls for the used ones after which the retainer and holder may be reattached to the tooth.

As far as I am aware, no successful cotton-roll holder ras ever been used on the upper jaw and the currently used lower jaw or mandibular cotton-roll holder requires a set of right and left instruments. Such instruments are so cumbersome that no mechanical matrix retainer can be used with them. The spring arms 2222 in my device are shaped so that they are spread apart when lying in the occlusal plane, thus giving the operator an unobstructed view of the tooth being filled (see Figure 1). The arms pass over the occlusal surfaces of the adjoining or contiguous teeth, rnesially and distally to the tooth being isolated by the cotton rolls.

In using the retainer A and holder K, it is best that a selected band B be placed in the retainer and applied to the proper tooth in the customary manner. The band is then slightly tightened on the tooth as an aid in slipping the holder K in position. When the holder is in place on the retainer, it is best to release the retainer slightly from its rigid connection to the tooth and this is accomplished by rotating the sleeve H a few turns to move the matrix-clamping block G toward the frame head F1 a slight distance. This will permit the retainer A to be moved in any direction necessary for the operator to place the cotton rolls in place.

The sleeve H is now reversed in its rotation for causing the block G to pull on the band ends 66 and tighten the band B about the tooth. This wil also secure the cotton roll 23 in whatever position it has been placed. The other cotton roll 29 may now be placed on the buccal side of the tooth and under the head F1 and between the tooth and the legs 2828 of the anchor member K1.

After the tooth is filled, the entire assembly, matrix retainer A, holder K, saliva ejector L and the cotton rolls, are all removed en masse by simply rotating the small knurled knob 18 to free the band ends 66 from the block G. Any preliminary carving or trimming of the filling may now be done. Any wedges between the teeth may be removed and the band B carefully moved out of the interproximal areas in such a manner that the all important contact points are not injured.

Turning now to the modification shown in Figure 7, the combination matrix retainer A2, cotton-roll and saliva-ejector holder K2 may be structurally distinguished from the form of the device previously described by the fact that the trans-occlusal arms 22' of the holder are permanently secured to the head P1 of the retainer. The remaining parts of the combination dental device are identical with the first embodiment; accordingly, like reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts.

Such modified instruments must be made right and left in order that the retainer A2 may be applied to the buccal aspect of the teeth, and at the same time permit the roll 23 and saliva ejector L to be placed on the lingual aspect. These instruments serve the needs of those operators who do not want to stop and adjust an instrument for right and left quadrants, preferring a more rigid and compact device. The right upper and left lower quadrants are handled by one instrument, while the left upper and right lower quadrants are served with the opposite instrument, without change or delay.

An additional advantage of the modified instrument lies in the fact that it eliminates any possible pinching or impinging on tissue, which might occur unless especially watched with the instruments having detachable and reversible anchoring members Kl.

It will be appreciated, of course, that ordinarily the saliva ejector tube is not required when restoring upper teeth. However, in this event, the rolls 23 and 29 may be held in place on opposing sides of the tooth being restored.

I claim:

1. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth with the band anchoring the retainer to the banded tooth; and a roll-holder carried by the retainer, and having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the latter in a position adjacent said tooth.

2. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth; a roll-holder having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the latter in a position adjacent said tooth; and reversible means for supporting the holder on the retainer, with the holder being selectively disposed on either lateral side of the retainer.

3. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth; a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the retainer to extend trans-occlusally in a bucco-lingual direction relative to the banded tooth; these arms being separated from one another sufficiently to give access to the entire occlusal surface of said tooth; said arms having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the roll in a position adjacent said tooth.

4. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth; a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the retainer to extend trans-occlusally in a bucco-lingual direction relative to the banded tooth; these arms being separated from one another sufiiciently to give access to the entire occlusal surface of said tooth; said arms having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the roll in a position adjacent said tooth; and means for detachably securing said arms to the retainer.

5. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth; the retainer having a head provided with a bore extending bucco-lingually relative to the banded tooth; an anchor member having a pin projecting therefrom, which is adapted to be inserted into the bore from either end of the latter; and a pair of spaced-apart arms secured to the anchor member to extend trans-occlusally with respect to said tooth; these arms having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the roll in a position adjacent said tooth.

6. In a combination dental instrument of the character described: a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth; the retainer having a head provided with a bore extending bucco-lingually relative to the banded tooth; an anchor member having a pin projecting therefrom, which is adapted to be inserted into the bore from either end of the latter; and a pair of spaced-apart arms secured to the anchor member to extend trans-occlusally with respect to said tooth; these arms having means engageable with a roll of absorbent material for holding the roll in a position adjacent said tooth; said arms being journalled to the anchor member for up and down swinging movement, relative to the occlusal plane of the patients teeth; the head having a pair of grooves therein, which are positioned to receive the arms, when the pin is inserted into said bore, to thereby hold the arms against swinging with respect to said anchor member.

7. In a combination dental instrument of the character described; a matrix retainer, including means for clamping a looped matrix band around a tooth with the band anchoring the retainer to the banded tooth; a saliva-ejector tube having a suction inlet section adapted to be disposed in a patients mouth to aspirate secretions therefrom; and means carried by the retainer for supporting said section of the tube in an operative position in the patients mouth.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,507,938 Smith May 16, 1950 

